Keeping Your Air Conditioning Equipment in Tip-Top Shape

Posted: July 14, 2025

These simple A/C maintenance tips will help keep the cool air blowing.

In not-so-surprising news, the summer has arrived in our part of the Northeast with a vengeance. In Lake George, the Hudson Valley, the New York Capital region, plus western Vermont and beyond, temperatures have soared to sizzling levels.

At times like this, a well-operating central air conditioning system is an absolute must. It makes your home livable and safe. With that in mind, let’s discuss some of the ways you can support your home cooling equipment while it’s working overtime this summer. The Main-Care Energy team is also available to assist in maintaining your A/C system.

1. Ensure Proper A/C Airflow

When your cooling equipment’s airflow is restricted, it ends up working harder to keep you comfortable. Additionally, your equipment can become dirty with dust, pollen and sundry debris, impeding its performance. Here are three ways you can ensure your equipment’s airflow is unimpeded:

1. Ensure your outdoor unit is free from plant life or debris to allow the condenser to function properly. This unit needs 18 to 30 inches of clear space around it to “breathe.”
2. Check your air filter if you haven’t done so in the past month. Clean or replace the filter if it’s dirty.
3. Make sure all vents in your rooms are open and not blocked by rugs, furniture or other obstructions.

2. Check for Leaks and Drain Blockages

Ice buildup on your evaporator coil or clogs in the condensate drain line can disrupt your air conditioner’s ability to cool your home effectively. While it’s possible to clear these blockages on your own, many homeowners choose to rely on a professional HVAC technician for a thorough and hassle-free solution.

If you find that your A/C unit is leaking refrigerant, do not attempt to fix the issue yourself. Reach out to Main-Care Energy right away. Our technicians have training, certification and experience to handle refrigerants.

3. Make Home Cooling Adjustments to Boost Efficiency

There are several ways that you can lower your A/C usage without sacrificing comfort this summer. Making these simple adjustments will slow wear and tear on your equipment and reduce your monthly electric bill in the process:

1. Invest in a programmable thermostat. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends raising your thermostat by 7–10°F for 8 hours a day, which can save you up to 10% annually on A/C costs. The best times to do this are when you’re asleep or out of the house.
2. Use ceiling fans. Fans complement your A/C by helping to circulate air and keep your space cooler.
3. Block the sunlight during the day. Close blinds or curtains on sunny days to prevent heat from entering your home.

4. Contact Main-Care Energy for A/C Maintenance

The most essential way to prevent breakdowns, extend your A/C system’s lifespan and boost your home’s cooling efficiency is to arrange an annual A/C tune-up from an HVAC professional. At Main-Care Energy, we employ the most thoroughly trained and experienced HVAC team in the region. We’ll clean, inspect, test and calibrate your home cooling system to ensure it’s running at peak performance with minimal risk of malfunctions.

For total peace of mind, you can safeguard your A/C system with a Main-Care Energy Protection Plan. This coverage includes an annual tune-up, priority emergency service and reduced costs on repairs.

Get in touch with the Main-Care Energy team today to arrange maintenance service or enroll in an A/C Protection Plan.